Prince Harry and Meghan urge children to open up about mental health as Nigeria trip begins
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have touched down in the west African country after the duke spent much of the week in London - but did not meet the King due to a "diary clash".
Friday 10 May 2024 17:08, UK
Prince Harry has told schoolchildren there's "no shame" in talking about mental health as he and Meghan began a trip to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games.
The couple were cheered and serenaded by dancers and singers as they attended a summit on the subject at a school in Abuja, the capital.
Harry told children there was "no shame" in talking about mental health - still something of a taboo subject in the conservative country.
"Too many people don't want to talk about it 'cause it's invisible. It's something in our mind that we can't see. It's not like a broken leg, it's not like a broken wrist," he said.
"Every single person in this room, the youngest, the oldest, every single person has mental health. So therefore, you have to look after yourself to be able to look after other people."
Meghan urged the students not to suffer in silence.
"Just make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and that begins with your mental health by really talking about
whatever's coming up for you," she said.
The couple are in Nigeria for three days after being invited by the chief of the defence staff.
After the school visit, they went to visit wives of army personnel at the country's defence headquarters.
Harry is also scheduled to meet injured service members, while the couple will attend a session for Nigeria: Unconquered, a charity that collaborates with the Invictus Games.
There will also be a reception to honour military families.
Meghan is also set to co-host an event of Women in Leadership with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation.
Other items on the packed agenda include a basketball camp, a cultural reception and a polo fundraiser.
The trip marks their first to Africa since 2019, when in their last official visit as working royals, the couple visited South Africa, Malawi, Angola and Botswana.
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Tap hereOn Wednesday, Harry marked the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral in London.
A Sky News camera captured Harry arriving at the Honourable Artillery Company's headquarters for a one-day summit called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation.
However, Harry did not meet with the King or Prince William while in the UK due to his father's "full programme", the duke's spokesperson said in a statement.